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Emergent Behaviour

How Simple Rules Create Complex Systems – 99 Real-World Examples.

Emergent Behaviour: How Simple Rules Create Complex Systems – 99 Real-World Examples reveals the hidden power of local interactions in shaping our world. From flocks of birds that move in perfect sync to social media trends that explode overnight, simple rules can combine to create astonishingly complex patterns. Discover how ants forge efficient pathways, how AI algorithms trigger unexpected market shifts, and why a microscopic slime mould can solve a maze. Each of the 99 case studies illuminates the same core principle: we don’t need a central controller for large-scale order to emerge. Perfect for curious readers and professionals alike, this book offers a fresh lens through which to view nature, technology, and everyday life—highlighting the surprising order that can arise from seemingly random processes.

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About

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About the Book

Emergent Behaviour: How Simple Rules Create Complex Systems – 99 Real-World Examples takes you on an eye-opening journey through the hidden patterns that shape our world. Drawing from science, technology, nature, and everyday life, this book reveals how remarkably complex outcomes arise when countless small interactions converge—often with no central authority in charge.

Discover the ingenious foraging of ants, the mesmerizing swirls of flocking birds, and the explosive spread of viral memes—all bound by the same universal principles of feedback loops, local decision-making, and adaptation. Whether it’s the rise of cryptocurrency markets or the collective intelligence of slime moulds, each example showcases the creative power of simple rules operating in tandem.

Perfect for both the curious reader and the seasoned professional, Emergent Behaviour demystifies complex systems through clear explanations and relatable stories. By the end, you’ll see that what appears chaotic or random can be surprisingly ordered beneath the surface. With 99 vivid real-world examples, this book transforms your perspective—helping you spot the subtle threads of emergence that shape the world around us.

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License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Author

About the Author

Rahul Trikha

Tech leader driving Data, AI and Platform Engineering at scale. Passionate about emergent systems, decentralisation, and building future-ready organisations.

Contents

Table of Contents

      • Introduction
      • Preface
      • Acknowledgments
      • Section 1: Nature & Biology
      • Section 2: Technology & AI
      • Section 3: Business & Markets
      • Section 4: Society & Human Behaviour
      • Section 5: Maths & Computing
      • Section 6: Physics & Chemistry
      • Section 7: Social Phenomena
      • Section 8: Games & Sports
      • Conclusion

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